Although snowboarding made its debut in the Olympics just a few weeks
ago, the sports' real competition has yet to begin. The U.S. Open
Snowboarding Championships is the premier snowboarding event of the
season, drawing the worlds' best snowboarders and spectator crowds
exceeding 25,000 for four days of competition and entertainment.
The Open dates back to 1982 as the original snowboarding event, one that
has remained pure to the sport. And it is because of this legendary
tradition and premier status that every pro rider seeks out this one
event annually as their opportunity to achieve the highest recognition
in snowboarding competition. Newcomers are welcomed to brave the
four-day pre-qualification process (beginning Monday) and can ascend to
the finals to compete against the top riders in the world including
Olympians, pro riders who were ineligible to qualify for the Olympics,
and the world's top halfpipe rider, Terje Haakonsen (who boycotted
Nagano), who will be in attendance this year.
Not only will spectators get the chance to watch pro-level competitions
in every major discipline of the sport - the only event in the world
with this format - they will enjoy performances by headline bands, be
able to take Burton's 1999 product out for a spin, and have the
opportunity to get an autograph from their favorite pro rider.
While the Olympics showed the world how far snowboarding has come, the
Open reminds us where the sport comes from and what is truly all about.
Rest assured, at this event the center of attention will not be
politics. At The Open, the focus is snowboarding.
Make your travel plans now and come check out the following events:
Duel Slalom - THURSDAY, 3/19
Precision is key as the world's most technical racers compete head to
head on parallel courses. With side by side elimination format and the
thrilling pace of tight gates, the Duel Slalom is one of the most
exciting alpine disciplines.
Super-G - FRIDAY, 3/20
At speeds in excess of 50 mph, one by one competitors challenge the
rigorous course, screaming through gates while dropping 800 vertical
feet in the ultimate race against the clock. Super G competitors put on
a phenomenal show of speed in a race where the winners are often
determined by a matter of milliseconds. The new top-to-bottom race
course at Stratton features the steepest vertical drop in U.S. Open
Super-G history and the highest speeds.
Halfpipe - SATURDAY, 3/21
Be sure to get there early to stake out your spot among the 10,000 plus
spectators that show up annually to view the sickest halfpipe
competition ever. This is your chance to witness the world's best
riders including renowned world champion Terje Haakonsen and Olympic
medalists Ross Powers and Shannon Dunn, throw it all on the line for the
$25,000 first place prize. Stratton has moved their infamous halfpipe
to center stage and a newly designed spectator area will make this the
most rider and spectator-friendly halfpipe event yet.
Boardercross - SUNDAY, 3/22
Get off the side lines, this is the time to gain competitor status at
the Open while competing against friends, top pro's, and industry
types. Fashioned after a motorcross event, competitors have only one
mission - to beat their opponents to the bottom. As the only truly
open, pro-level Boardercross event in the sport, the field will consist
of the first 140 people registered. In heats of five, competitors will
charge a course set with banks, berms and hits in a true free for all
for the finish line. This event will mark the first time a trophy has
been awarded in this discipline at The Open.
Media Reception
THURSDAY, 3/19
From 7-9 pm Burton will host a media cocktail hour at the Hibernate
Diner (located at the top of the halfpipe) in conjunction with a
'private' halfpipe jam session featuring top pro's. Media is welcome to
watch a training session up close and personal and talk with riders in a
low-key atmosphere. Transportation to the Hibernate Diner will provided
by snowmobiles and cocktails and hor d'oeuvres will be served.
Immediately following, a welcome party to kick off the event will be
held in the lodge at Grizzly's.
Media Learn to Ride - FRIDAY, 3/20
From 4-6 pm, media is invited to take advantage of a learn to ride
session given by certified snowboard instructors. Learn the tips you
need to get started and enjoy the mountain for the rest of the weekend.
All equipment is supplied, just be sure to fill out the designated
section of the enclosed accreditation form.